KATHMANDU: The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) has strongly rejected claims that certified mountain guides were involved in fake helicopter rescue operations in the Nepalese Himalaya, saying there is no verified evidence linking professional guides — including those affiliated with NNMGA or holding internationally recognised IFMGA certification — to any such activity.

In a press note issued on Sunday, NNMGA acknowledged that isolated cases of fraudulent rescues may have occurred involving certain individuals or business entities, but drew a clear distinction between those cases and the broader mountaineering profession. The association also pushed back on the more serious allegation that tourists were deliberately poisoned to make fake rescues appear convincing, saying no concrete evidence has been found to support this claim.

In the press note, NNMGA General Secretary Pimba Tenjing Lama further noted that all reported and registered fake rescue cases to date relate to trekking activities, and that not a single substantiated case involving mountaineering operations in the Nepalese Himalaya has emerged. The association said available evidence suggests incidents, where they occurred, are limited to a small number of trekking agencies.

The association called on media, stakeholders, and the public to avoid sweeping generalizations that could unfairly discredit an entire industry built on ethics, safety, and professionalism. It urged the government and relevant tourism bodies to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that any individuals or agencies found guilty of malpractice are held accountable under the law.

NNMGA also advised travelers to exercise due diligence when selecting agencies and guides, recommending certified professionals for all trekking and mountaineering activities.
"Let us stand for truth, reject misinformation, and continue to promote Nepal as a safe, ethical, and welcoming destination for all," the association said.

A growing chorus of denunciations

NNMGA's statement is the latest in a string of formal rejections from Nepal's tourism and government bodies in response to the viral food poisoning allegations. The Central Investigation Bureau, which is leading the fake rescue probe, was the first to formally deny the food poisoning claims, stating its investigation had found no evidence of food adulteration and warning that spreading such unverified content is unlawful.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association similarly called the allegations "unimaginable," reaffirming its welcome to all climbers for the spring season while urging the government to strengthen oversight of rescue and insurance operations. Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, the local government body for the Everest region, issued its own public notice objecting to the reports and affirming its coordination with law enforcement to address any genuine fraudulent activity. The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal also backed the CIB investigation while urging all tourism stakeholders to adhere to codes of conduct and calling on media to report only what the evidence supports.

Across all statements, a common thread has emerged: while the fake rescue scam itself is real and is being actively investigated and prosecuted, the specific allegation that guides poisoned tourists' food remains unsubstantiated — and the industry's representatives say the conflation of the two is causing serious and unwarranted damage to Nepal's reputation at the start of its most important climbing season.